Asymmetrical archery bow limb

ABSTRACT

A bow limb having a lengthen member with a protrusion and or an indentation upon said limb surfaces in order to modify an asymmetrical load application. Said protrusion and or indention modify said working area of said limb to react to limb torsion. Said protrusion and indentions are varying as to the different types of construction and the amount of modification desired.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to the U.S. Patent classification definitions technical field of but not limited to; Class 273 Archery/Subclass 317+ and Class 124 Mechanical guns and projectors/subclass 23.1 bow, subclass 25 crossbow, subclass 25.6 compound bow.

PRIOR ART

Viewing FIG. 1 and FIG. 5, An archery compound bow consists of at least a 11 riser sandwiched by a pair of 4 & 5 bifurcated staves or limbs, said limbs having a 3 pulley or 14 cam mounted opposite said 11 riser and positioned in a 19 cam yoke. Said 3 pulley and or 14 cams are connected with a 6 long string and a 1 pair of cables which crisscross the 13 projectile path, for example U.S. Pat. No. 3,486,495. Another example U.S. Pat. No. 4,054,118 discloses crossed cables which are pulled to one side so as to be removed from the projectile path and to minimize contact with the archery artisans body. A right hand shooter, one holding said bow with ones left hand would prefer said 12 cable deflector mounted on the right side of said 11 riser and a left hand shooter would prefer a left side mounting.

Prior art of archery compound bows disclosed on Dec. 30, 1969 in U.S. Pat No. 3,486,495 Titled: ARCHERY BOW WITH DRAW FORCE MULTIPLYING ATTACHMENT by H. W. Allen and discloses for the first time in his Abstract of the Disclosure “. . . variable leverage pulley members on the tips of the bow limbs.” Currently said pulley members are referred to as cams.

Citing '495, beginning Column 2, Line 41, “A Bow 20 . . . and continuing to Column 2, Line 57, . . . the bowstring”; explains how the free ends of a bowstring are secured. One said free end fastened to said lower cam, said other free end stretches to and routes partially around upper cam returning to lower cam and routes partially around said lower cam then fastens to said upper cam. While said weaving of said string around said cams does create a multiplying draw force as stated in '495, it also creates an asymmetrical load on said cam that transfers into said bifurcated limb by way of an axle that said cam rotates about. Currently said asymmetrical load on cam is referred to as cam lean.

Said asymmetrical load urges said limb to rotate around an imaginary line called a rotational axis and said rotational axis extends proximal bifurcated limb tip near said cam pin toward distal end said limb. Currently said rotation is referred to as limb torsion. Viewing FIG. 4, FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B said limb torsion is depicted.

Said '495 neither discusses how his projectile path is unencumbered by said weaving of said string from one cam to the other nor does '495 discuss cam lean or limb torsion.

Another example of prior art is from 1977, U. S. Pat. No. #4,054,118 Titled: COMPOUND BOW WITH TORQUE ELIMINATORS AND TENSION CABLE DEFLECTORS by McKee and Segelken.

Said '118 describes an alternative way for an eccentric pulley to be used; however, it interfered with the arrow path and subsequently McKee and Segelken invent a cable adjustment deflector which does not interfere with said arrow and which deflects tension cables away from the sight window.

When '118 added said cable deflector to guide said cables out of said sight window, said deflectors transferred a greater asymmetrical load then previously experienced. The greater the distance away from said projectile an artesian moves said cables, the greater the torsion delivered into said cam and limb. Said cam lean and said limb torsion can be described as energy that does not reach the projectile.

While both '495 and '118 claim the benefit of new and unique inventions, and while they have dramatically changed archery from the traditional longbow they have not done so without creating some problems which are now inherent in almost every bow built since '495 added said variable leverage pulleys and '118 added said cable adjustment deflector.

Said problems, such as but not limited to cam lean and limb torsion extends from the method of attaching said loose ends of said string to said cams. By attaching said loose ends off center of the receiving cam, an asymmetrical load is received by said cam, which is delivered into said limb by way of the cam axle.

Because said prior art fails to negate said effects of said torsion applied to said cam and said limb, pluralities of negative events begin such as but not limited to, less energy being delivered into said projectile, and said limbs vibrate post string release beyond post projectile release causing noise; and said string oscillates; and said string tracks on one side of the string groove creating friction; and said cam causes undue wear on string; and said projectile velocity is reduced.

While archery equipment and compound bow performance has risen, so has the torsion on said cams and on said limbs. While there do exist many apparatus that will attach in all manners to an archers bow, they all have similar shortcomings which is they neither provide a means to minimize said cam lean nor said limb torsion or the further acerbated problems associated with said waste energy.

Accordingly, a need remains for ASYMMETRICAL ARCHERY BOW LIMB in order to overcome the above-noted shortcomings. The non-limiting description satisfies such a need by providing an apparatus that is convenient and easy to use, lightweight yet durable in design, versatile in its applications, and designed to resist torsion from asymmetrical loads.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing background, it is therefore an object of the non-limiting exemplary embodiments to provide a brief summary of the invention; some of the advantages are increased projectile velocity, and a reduction of effect of an asymmetrical load bearing upon said cam axle. Embodiments described below demonstrate how said ASYMMETRICAL ARCHERY BOW LIMB solves many of the prior art problems.

Described in one embodiment is said ASYMMETRICAL ARCHERY BOW LIMB construction.

An additional embodiment of the invention discloses how ASYMMETRICAL ARCHERY BOW LIMB reduces string and cam friction thus wear.

Yet in another embodiment is describe how ASYMMETRICAL ARCHERY BOW LIMB reduces string oscillation.

Reducing string noise is described in another embodiment of the ASYMMETRICAL ARCHERY BOW LIMB.

An additional embodiment of the invention describes increasing the velocity of a projectile.

Also, an embodiment disclosing how said ASYMMETRICAL ARCHERY BOW LIMB increases the working area of an archery limb.

an additional embodiment discloses the overall stiffening of said imb.

These and other objects, features, and advantages of the invention are provided by description of the preferred embodiments.

There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more important features of the invention in order that the detailed description thereof that follows may be better understood, and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are additional features of the invention that will be described hereinafter and which will form the subject matter of the claims appended hereto.

It is noted the purpose of the foregoing abstract is to enable the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally, especially the scientists, engineers and practitioners in the art who are not familiar with patent or legal terms or phraseology, to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and essence of the technical disclosure of the application. The abstract is neither intended to define the invention of the application, which is measured by the claims, nor is it intended to be limiting as to the scope of the invention in any way.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING

The novel features believed to be characteristic of this invention are set forth with particularity in the appended claims. The invention itself, however, both as to its organization and method of operation, together with further objects and advantages thereof, may best be understood by reference to the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a side view of an undrawn prior art archery bow; and

FIG. 2 is an end view of an undrawn prior art archery bow; and

FIG. 2A is an enlargement detail showing the upper cam 3 on an undrawn prior art archery bow's string 6 tracking centered of cam 3; and

FIG. 3 is a side view of a drawn prior art archery bow; and

FIG. 4 is an end view of a drawn prior art archery bow; and

FIG. 4A is an enlargement detail showing the upper cam 3 on a drawn prior art archery bow's string 6 tracking off center of cam 3; and

FIG. 4B is an enlargement detail showing the lower cam 3 on a drawn prior art archery bow's string 6 tracking off center of cam 3; and

FIG. 5 is an perspective view of a prior art symmetrical archery bow limb; and

FIG. 6, is a perspective view showing protrusion along the face of a side of an ASYMMETRICAL ARCHERY BOW LIMB in accordance with the non-limiting exemplary embodiments.

FIG. 7, is a perspective view showing indentions along the face of a side of an ASYMMETRICAL ARCHERY BOW LIMB in accordance with the non-limiting exemplary embodiments.

FIG. 8, is a perspective view showing substantially extended protrusions along the face of a side of an ASYMMETRICAL ARCHERY BOW LIMB in accordance with the non-limiting exemplary embodiments

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the figures are not intended to be drawn to any particular scale; nor are the figures intended to illustrate every embodiment of the invention. The invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments depicted in the figures or the shapes, relative sizes or proportions shown in the figures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The non-limiting exemplary embodiments will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which a preferred embodiment of the invention is shown. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiment set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this application will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the true scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout the figures.

The illustrations of the embodiments described herein are intended to provide a general understanding of the structure of the various embodiments. The illustrations are not intended to serve as a complete description of all of the elements and features of apparatus and systems that utilize the structures or methods described herein. Many other embodiments may be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the disclosure. Other embodiments may be utilized and derived from the disclosure, such that structural and logical substitutions and changes may be made without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Additionally, the illustrations are merely representational and may not be drawn to scale. Certain proportions within the illustrations may be exaggerated, while other proportions may be minimized. Accordingly, the disclosure and the figures are to be regarded as illustrative rather than restrictive.

One or more embodiments of the disclosure may be referred to herein, individually and/or collectively, by the term “non-limiting exemplary embodiments” merely for convenience and without intending to voluntarily limit the scope of this application to any particular invention or inventive concept. Moreover, although specific embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, it should be appreciated that any subsequent arrangement designed to achieve the same or similar purpose may be substituted for the specific embodiments shown. This disclosure is intended to cover any and all subsequent adaptations or variations of various embodiments. Combinations of the above embodiments, and other embodiments not specifically described herein, will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the description.

The Abstract of the Disclosure is provided to comply with 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b) and is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. In addition, in the foregoing Detailed Description, various features may be grouped together or described in a single embodiment for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. This disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed embodiments require more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive subject matter may be directed to less than all of the features of any of the disclosed embodiments. Thus, the following claims are incorporated into the Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as defining separately claimed subject matter.

The below disclosed subject matter is to be considered illustrative, and not restrictive, and the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications, enhancements, and other embodiments which fall within the true scope of the non-limiting exemplary embodiments. Thus, to the maximum extent allowed by law, the scope of the non-limiting exemplary embodiments is to be determined by the broadest permissible interpretation of the following claims and their equivalents, and shall not be restricted or limited by the foregoing detailed description.

References in the specification to “one embodiment”, “an embodiment”, “a preferred embodiment”, “an alternative embodiment” and similar phrases mean that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least an embodiment of the invention. The appearances of the phrase “non-limiting exemplary embodiment” in various places in the specification are not necessarily all meant to refer to the same embodiment.

Directional and/or relationary terms such as, but not limited to, left, right, nadir, apex, top, bottom, vertical, horizontal, back, front and lateral are relative to each other and are dependent on the specific orientation of an applicable element or article, and are used accordingly to aid in the description of the various embodiments and are not necessarily intended to be construed as limiting.

The apparatus of this invention is referred to generally in FIG. 6/8 and intends to provide a perspective view showing ASYMMETRICAL ARCHERY BOW LIMB. It should be understood that the non-limiting exemplary embodiments may be used to describe similar apparatus and many different types of devices and should not be limited to the uses described herein. The descriptor nomenclature legend that follows is not meant to be all encompassing but to aid the reader in understanding the figures within the drawings.

-   -   1. Cable     -   2. Cable Mount     -   3. Idler Pulley or Cam     -   4. Upper Limb     -   5. Lower Limb     -   6. String     -   7. String Mount     -   8. Cable Mount     -   9. Bolt     -   10. Nut     -   11. Riser     -   12. Cable Guard     -   13. Projectile     -   14. Elliptical Cam     -   15. String Groove     -   16. ASYMMETRICAL ARCHERY BOW LIMB     -   17. Protrusion     -   18. Indention     -   19. Cam Yoke     -   20. Working area     -   21. Compression bolt slot     -   22. Extended working area         -   Items depicted with a dashed line are reference only and not             claimed as part of the invention.

Viewing FIG. 6, Said 17 protrusions are visible along a face of said 16 ASYMMETRICAL ARCHERY BOW LIMB. Said 17 protrusion is placed to form at least one ridge and having a preferred orientation across said limb's rotational centerline and an alternate orientation that does not cross said limb's rotational centerline. Said 17 protrusion are such as but not limited to geometrically shaped. Said 17 protrusion can have an indention to increase rigidity.

Viewing FIG. 5, Said rotational centerline having an endpoint lying proximate said 19 cam yoke extending to an endpoint proximate 21 compression bolt slot.

Viewing FIG. 7, Said 18 indentions are visible along a face of said 16 ASYMMETRICAL ARCHERY BOW LIMB. Said 18 indentions are placed to form at least one let-off point and having a preferred orientation across said limb's rotational centerline and an alternate orientation that does not cross said limb's rotational centerline. Said 18 indentions are such as but not limited to geometrically shaped. Said 18 indentions can have a 17 protrusion to increase rigidity.

Said geometrically shaped 18 indention or 17 protrusion being randomly or repeatedly placed on any of said 16 limb plane; and said geometrically shaped 18 indention or 17 protrusion being random or repeated in size in any manner, which minimizes said asymmetrical load upon said 16 limb.

Viewing FIG. 2 and FIG. 2A of an undrawn archery bow the reader can see 6 string correctly tracking at the center of the circumference in a 15 string groove of said 3 cam; now viewing FIG. 4 and FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B of a drawn archery bow, the reader can see said 6 string adversely tracking off center of said circumference and abrading to one side of said 15 string groove of said 3 cam and said 14 cam

Said side tracking of said 6 string on said 15 string groove of said 3 cam and 14 cam causes friction, which causes said 15 string groove to abrade said 6 string. Said friction on said 3 cam and 14 cam also causes said cams to rotate slower thus less energy is delivered to said 13 projectile. The aforementioned friction problems are solved with my invention ASYMMETRICAL ARCHERY BOW LIMB because it reduces said 6 string on said 3 cam and 14 cam friction by maintaining a straighter rotational path for said cams. Because said 17 protrusion or said 18 indention reduce the effect of an asymmetrical load on said 3 and 14 cams, said cams are less likely to rotate off center thus maintaining correct tracking of said 6 string.

Additionally, because ASYMMETRICAL ARCHERY BOW LIMB maintains a straighter said 3 & 14 cam rotation, said 6 string oscillations are reduced. Because string oscillations are reduced so are the accompanying noise and vibration resulting in a greater amount of the archery artisans energy reaching said 13 projectile.

Viewing FIG. 6 and FIG. 7, said 16 limb, 17 protrusion and 18 indention of said invention ASYMMETRICAL ARCHERY BOW LIMB are constructed from such as but not limited to a dense, vibration absorbing material, of structurally complementary substances, especially a chemical composition with physical and thermal properties, combined to produce structural and functional properties not present in any individual component.

A plurality of energy depleting sources have been disclosed showing how small energy losses ultimately incorporate together to hinder an archery artisan's 13 projectile velocity. By replacing the traditional flat archery bow limb with my invention ASYMMETRICAL ARCHERY BOW LIMB which incorporates a plurality of energy retaining features said archery artisan's projectile will have greater velocity over prior art.

Viewing FIG. 5. the reader can see 20 working area of said prior art archery 4 limb. Said 20 working area is relatively small compared to the overall length of said 4 limb. Now viewing FIG. 6, FIG. 7 & FIG. 8, the reader can see 22 extended length working area. My ASYMMETRICAL ARCHERY BOW LIMB extends said 20 working area into a 22 extended length working area over prior art archery limbs as said protrusion and or indention modify said working area of said limb to modify limb torsion. Said protrusion and indentions are varying as to the different types of construction and the amount of modification desired.

Another type of archery bow is a split limb, having two narrow limbs in place of one traditional limb. Said split limb bows having similar torsion problems because said split limbs also use a cable deflector to move said cables out of the projectile path. Cited split limb archery bow problems are likewise solvable with my invention ASYMMETRICAL ARCHERY BOW LIMB.

While the invention has been described with respect to certain specific embodiment, it will be appreciated that many modifications and changes may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the invention. It is intended, therefore, by the appended claims to cover all such modifications and changes as fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention. In particular, with respect to the above description, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the non-limiting exemplary embodiments may include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation. 

1. A limb for a compound archery bow, said limb comprising: a lengthen member having a proximal end and a distal end and having an outward surface and an inward surface wherein said surfaces are generally parallel, a compression side, an expansion side.
 2. The limb as set forth in claim 1 wherein said limb having at least one protrusion.
 3. The limb as set forth in claim 1 wherein said limb having at least one indention.
 4. The limb as set forth in claim 1 wherein said limb resist an asymmetrical load.
 5. An archery bow comprising: a riser; a pair of cams; a string; a tension cable; a pair of limbs, wherein each limb being attached to said riser at one end and having an opposite end having a cam, said cams having a first string and a first tension cable.
 6. The bow as set forth in claim 5 wherein said tension cables mounts forward said string and extends to opposite cam, said string mounts rear said cable and extends to opposite cam.
 7. The bow as set forth in claim 6 wherein said crossed cables are deflected causing an asymmetrical load. 